St. Croix’s Central High Caribs and IEKS Devil Rays are Champions of the IAA McDonald’s 2017 MLK Varsity Basketball Tournament

ST. THOMAS — The gymnasium at Ivanna Eudora Kean was filled with energy and excitement as 16 high school teams from the U.S. and British Virgin Islands competed for championship titles at the IAA-McDonald’s Martin Luther King Jr. Basketball Invitational Tournament over the weekend — from Friday, January 13 through Monday, January 16, according to a press release issued today.

The student athletes proudly displayed their skills and endurance throughout the weekend competing in back to back games. The positive energy was contagious as competing team members gathered on the sidelines to cheer on their fellow athletes displaying a true sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship.

With a fight-to-the-finish attitude, the St. Croix Central High Lady Caribs won the Women’s Division Championship title over Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Devil Rays, 49-26. That victory was immediately followed by the Men’s Division Championship game, where the title was won by Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Devil Rays in a close game against St. Croix’ Central High School Caribs, 43-38.

Lt. Governor Osbert E. Potter, Insular Superintendent for St. Thomas/St. John District Dionne Wells-Hendrington and McDonald’s Operation Supervisor for St. Thomas, Aletia Hodge, was on hand to present trophies to the winning teams. “McDonald’s applauds the efforts of all participating student athletes, coaches and the organizers for their hard work and dedication. We are proud to sponsor the tournament part of our commitment to promoting healthy, active lifestyles and education for the children and youth of the Virgin Islands.”

Participating teams in the tournament were from St. Thomas: Antilles School, Virgin Islands Montessori School, Charlotte Amalie High School, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. From St. John: Gift Hill School.

From St. Croix: Central High School and the Educational Complex High School and from Tortola: Elmore Stoutt High School and Bregado Flax Educational Center.

This year marked McDonald’s third year as a partner with the St. Thomas – St. John Interscholastic Athletic Association (IAA) and the USVI Department of Education.

McDonald’s presented Scholastic Achievement Awards to the student athletes with the highest grade point averages. The awards went to Teon Persad, Sophmore at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Jackisha Rigobert, Junior at Bregado Flax Educational Center.  MVP Players Awards: Lestin Witshire, Elmore Stout Tortola and Jendayi Williams, Central High, St. Croix. Sportsmanship Awards: Joseph Narinesingh, St. Croix Educational Complex and Delma Baron, Ivanna Eudora Kean.  3 Point Shootout Winners: Joseph Narinesingh, St. Croix Educational Complex and Shauliqua Fahie, Elmore Stout Tortola.

For more information about the IAA / McDonald’s Martin Luther King Jr. Varsity Basketball Invitational Tournament, please contact Kenny Todman, IAA Commissioner and Tournament Director 340-642-2156.